Switzerland had been high on my bucket list for quite some time. As such when I booked a weekend to Zurich there was no doubt in my mind that I would cram in as much as possible within two days – with a trip to Lake Lucerne included in the weekend.

Day one saw me check into the very swish Storchen Zurich hotel, with its prime location on the waterfront of the Limmat River – the perfect spot to relax and to see the sights on foot within the city.

Bahnhofstrasse
Get into the swing of the city by strolling down Zurich’s main street – one of the most exclusive shopping avenues and the third most expensive street for retail property in the world.

Fraumünster Church
Fraumünster, founded in 583, is a church within the city that was built on the remains of an abbey for aristocratic women. Previously free to enter the church now has a small fee should you wish to visit.

Grossmünster
This protestant church is one of the four main churches within the city of Zurich. Standing proudly with its twin towers, along the banks of the Limmat, it is regarded as one of the most recognisable landmarks in Zurich.

The interior is rather plain inside, however it is recommended to climb the towers to take in the view over the city and lake itself.

Landesmuseum Zürich
The Swisse National museum building was constructed in 1898 in the style of French Renaissance city chateaus – with towers, courts and gardens.

Housing a selection of gothic art, sculptures and paintings – it is worth visiting to take in the architecture, even if you don’t plan to spend time in the museum itself.

Münsterhof Fountain
Stroll into the picturesque Münsterhof square and you will find the fountain in its centre. Today the square is a place to relax, take in views in one of the many bars and cafes, however in the Middle Ages it was a stinking swamp.

The fountain itself is designed to not just pour out water but every year during the Sechseläuten spring holiday it also produces white wine.

Münster Bridge
The pedestrian and road bridge across the Limmat connects both Grossmünster and Fraumünster in opposite ends of the city.

The bridge offers stunning panoramic views of Zurich with aquamarine water sparkling underneath. I strolled across the bridge countless times during my visit and never got bored of the view.

On day two, I jumped on the train to Lake Lucerne. Like most trains in European countries trains are very reliable and relatively cheap. The two hour journey to Lucerne was no exception.

If you are planning a trip to Zurich I would most definitely recommend allowing time for a day in Lucerne. Heading off early in the morning, before the crowds, I managed to fit in a walking tour of the area.

Museggmauer
Spend the morning walking the iconic city walls. With nine towers – many open to the public – offer great views over Lucerne and worth the climb. Including Männliturm – the Stalwart guard towers and clock towers.

Lion Monument
The Lion Monument or the Lion of Lucerne, is a rock relief commemorating the Swiss guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution.

Hofkirche St. Leodegar
The Roman Catholic church offers an imposing position over Lake Lucerne. Destroyed by fire in 1633, the only remains were the two towers which are still standing today.

Kapellbrücke
The Chapel Bridge, the covered wooden footbridge spanning the river Ruess, is one of the world’s oldest surviving truss bridges and one of Switzerlands main tourist attractions.

The octagonal water tower, that forms part of the bridge complex, has had many uses over the year including a prison and torture chamber. More recently the bridge almost burnt down in 1993, destroying two thirds of its interior paintings.

Spreuerbrücke
Constructed in 1408 as part of the cities fortifications. The bridge is one of two remaining wooden foot bridges in Lucerne – showcasing frame paintings on its pediments that are distinctive features of the cities wooden bridges.

Lucerne Needle Dam
The Lucerne Needle Dam is a marvel of engineering built in the 19th century between 1859-1861. The water levels within Lake Lucerne is regulated to this day by the removal or insertion of timber needles. This allows the level of the lake to be kept at a height to suit the season and therefore prevent flooding.

Jesuit Church St Francis Cavier
The Catholic church was the first large Baroque church built in Switzerland north of the Alps, standing radiantly on the banks of the river Reuss in Lucerne’s old town. Open everyday throughout the year, it also now serves as a concert venue due to the interior acoustics.

Should you have more time on your hands, or wish to extend your trip further, there are many other activities and attractions to see in both Lucern and Zurich.

With Switzerland known for being a very expensive country, I have often been advised to be swift in my visit. Whilst, yes some things are pricey (I paid £5 for a can of diet coke for example), If you are savvy and do your research then there is no reason why you could not enjoy everything the cities have to offer.

I will certainly be planning a return trip to Switzerland to experience its many gems.